Community Participation

The project breaks invisible boundaries between differences in cultural and socio – economic communities: Normanton; by community workshops offering platforms for interaction and create artworks while celebrating history of Arboretum Park.

The community will understand tradition of ‘sculptures in a park’ (public education aim) through series of community participatory activities engaging young people, diverse communities that use the park. It will offer opportunities for art students, artists and community groups. This is at heart of ‘being good neighbours’ – celebrating inclusiveness, diversity, being different, yet coming together for common good.

The project will

Create awareness of history of Arboretum Park with Sculpture–making events through Residency Programmes (artistic aim), offering talented sculptors opportunities to create sculptures in park. Exploring the historical wonder of first public park of England.

Encourage sculptors to help community understand the tradition of ‘sculptures in a park’ (public education aim) through innovative artworks. Artists can consider the notion of cultural heritage and human story; The Florentine Boar sculpture, by Strutt’s family and its history. The sculptures from residencies and community workshops will be installed in the Park to mark its 175th anniversary.

Connect varied audiences including immigrant communities of Derby and the East Midlands. The spirit of ‘giving back to the community’ that was at the heart of development of Arboretum Park 175 years back. The project will explore and break invisible boundaries existing between communities of Normanton through community participation workshops.